In Cheongcheon 2-dong, there are 38 tongjang (neighborhood representatives) who have quietly protected the community for a long time. They are reliable neighbors who have shared the village’s changes and history, and the unsung heroes who have supported the community behind the scenes.

In Cheongcheon 2-dong, there are currently a total of 38 neighborhood units (tong), and the heads in charge of each unit (tongjang) continue various activities throughout the area. Rather than moving all at once on the same day, they autonomously carry out environmental clean-up activities suited to each unit’s circumstances. Even amid busy daily lives, checking alleyways, parks, and the areas around where people live has now become part of the tongjang’s routine.

The tongjang’s activities become even busier depending on the season. In spring, they create neighborhood flower paths; during the summer monsoon season, they inspect areas at risk of flooding. In autumn, they clear fallen leaves to prevent drains from clogging, and during heavy snow in winter, they spread calcium chloride to help ensure the safety and mobility of the elderly and vulnerable. These efforts are proving even more effective with support from the Cheongcheon 2-dong Administrative Welfare Center.

Among the most rewarding achievements of the neighborhood heads’ activities, they cited resolving the illegal dumping problem around Tong 28. Although illegal dumping had continued there for nearly 30 years, after the tongjang carried out daily cleanup activities for three weeks, they were able to restore a clean environment. Also, through the ‘Seollal Neighborly Love Sharing’ initiative, they collected a total of 1,000 kg of rice in the tongjang’s name and shared it with neighbors.

Accordingly, in December 2025, Cheongcheon 2-dong was selected as an Outstanding Tongjang Volunteer Association among the 22 dong tongjang councils and received an award from Incheon City.

Lee Gyu-jin, chair of the Tongjang Council, said, “Thanks to the tongjang who quietly do their best, the village is becoming stronger,” adding, “We will continue to work for the community with one mind."

Reporting Journalist: Lee Soon-ae